BARRE TOWN — Sharon Linly Crafts passed away Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at her home in Barre Town after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Sharon was born in Barre on Jan. 30, 1950, the daughter of Charles W. and Geraldine B. Averill. She attended Trow Hill School and graduated from Spaulding High School. She earned her LPN and began her health care career in Hanover, N.H. It was there that she met her husband, Peter Burton Crafts.

Sharon later moved to southern Vermont to be with Peter, and she worked in various health care settings in that area. They married and moved to Starksboro, where they raised their son, Adam, and Sharon continued her health care career. This place was very special to Sharon. Following her husband’s death, she returned to Barre and lived with her parents whom she loved and cared for until their passing.

Her most recent employment was at the senior living community, The Gardens, in Williamstown, as the activities director and all-around event planner, a position she loved and a place where she formed many wonderful friendships.

Sharon was creative and artistic, working in many mediums, was a master gardener and a great cook. She especially loved painting, was a member of the Barre Paletteers and won several awards at their annual summer show.

Sharon loved spending time at the family cottage on Caspian Lake where she loved to swim, canoe and kayak, as well as watch the ducks and loons. Sharon loved nature, especially the animals, and cared for many wonderful pets. Her grandchildren were very special to her, and she shared many precious times with them. Sharon was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her.

Sharon is survived by her son, Adam Essington Crafts, and daughter-in-law, Jessica McNally, and their children, Anzley and Parsons, of Wolcott; her brother, Charles Averill, and his wife, Rosemary, of Barre, and their children, Alyse and Kari; sisters Ann Broad, of Roswell, Ga., and her daughters, Erin and Emily, and Arlene Averill and her partner, Kay Charron, of West Woodbury, and their son, Patrick.

She was predeceased by her husband; her parents; a sister, Mary Beth Averill; brother-in-law David Broad; and a nephew, Kevin Broad.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, the cancer society or a charity of your choice.